COLOGNE, GERMANY / EuroWire / – The European Union Aviation Safety Agency extended its conflict zone information bulletin for the Middle East and Persian Gulf until July 1, 2026, unless it reviews the notice earlier. The agency revised the advisory on June 24 under CZIB 2026-03-R13. EASA said it updated the description to reflect recent developments. It made no changes to the recommendations for air operators.
The bulletin remains active and covers flight safety risks linked to regional conflict zones. It applies to EASA operators planning flights in the affected airspace. It also applies to third-country operators that hold EASA authorization for operations to, from, and within the European Union. The agency issued the bulletin based on information available to EASA, the European Commission, and Member States.
EASA advised air operators not to fly within the affected airspace of Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon at any altitude or flight level. It also urged operators to use caution in Bahrain, Kuwait, Israel, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. Operators should keep current risk assessments, maintain strong contingency plans, and prepare for short-notice instructions from state authorities.
Airspace warning remains active
The affected airspace includes Bahrain FIR, Tehran FIR, Baghdad FIR, Tel Aviv FIR, Amman FIR, Kuwait FIR, Beirut FIR, Muscat FIR, Doha FIR, Emirates FIR, and Jeddah FIR. The bulletin covers all altitudes and flight levels unless national aeronautical publications state otherwise. EASA told operators to monitor regional airspace developments and follow all available aeronautical notices from the affected countries and state authorities.
The agency’s description cites military strikes on Iranian territory by the United States and Israel on February 28, 2026, followed by Iranian retaliatory attacks. EASA said the conflict created high risks for Iranian airspace and nearby states affected by hostilities and military activity. It said a temporary ceasefire announced on April 8 remained in effect until June 17, when the United States and Iran signed a memorandum extending it for 60 days.
Operators told to update risk plans
EASA said the situation moved from intense active conflict to heightened tension, with limited and confined kinetic events. It identified short-term ceasefire violations as a continuing aviation concern, especially around the Strait of Hormuz and nearby airspace. The agency also cited Iran’s high air force and air defense alert level, which raises the risk of misidentification within Tehran FIR.
The bulletin said Baghdad FIR continues to face risks from recurring Iranian strikes and operations by violent non-state actors. It also said Lebanon’s airspace remains high risk because military activity could affect civil aircraft at all altitudes. EASA reminded operators that separate conflict zone bulletins for Syria and Yemen remain in effect, with recommendations not to operate at any altitude or flight level.